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Bannockburn school trips
10/09/2009
Thousands of school pupils will have the opportunity to visit Bannockburn, thanks to £180,000 funding for school trips to historic sites.
Robert the Bruce's army is believed to have numbered around 6,000 when he arrived at Bannockburn to fight in the First Wars of Scottish Independence, but today he is outnumbered by armies of learners, Schools Minister Keith Brown said as he visited the site.
The Scottish Government has provided conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland with the additional funding to subsidise school parties visiting Bannockburn, Culloden and Robert Burns' birthplace.
The Minister also helped to ensure history is brought to life for visitors with the launch of a new educational film about the Battle of Bannockburn.
The high definition film tells the story from the perspective of a young boy who witnesses the battle, and uses computer generated imagery (CGI) to bring the size, scale and significance of the events to life for visitors.
Keith Brown said:
"The Battle of Bannockburn is a seminal point in Scottish history - a point which forged Scotland's national identity and paved the way to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. It has developed an iconic status around the world, synonymous with ideas of freedom, bravery, perseverance and triumph.
"At the same time the Battle of Bannockburn also requires us to reflect on the suffering and slaughter of the past and to remember that while history is never forgotten, the future can be better.
"The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that an understanding of Scottish history, culture and heritage is at the centre of learning, as reflected through Curriculum for Excellence. That is why I am delighted to launch the new Bannockburn film and subsidised travel scheme for schools. Bannockburn, Culloden and Burns' birthplace are all important touchstones in Scottish history.
"I am especially pleased to be making this announcement in Scotland's Year of Homecoming. This year, the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns, is a once in a life-time opportunity to celebrate not only Burns' contributions to our culture and the articulation of Scottish identity, but our global connections and contributions to the world. I hope that by helping to bring Burns, battles and Bannockburn to life for Scotland's pupils, we can ensure history continues to deepen our understanding of our nation."
Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of National Trust for Scotland:
"The Trust is privileged to look after some of Scotland's most iconic battlefields. We have worked hard in recent years to develop these sites in a way that reaches out to young people and brings the past to life. The children here today were clearly enthralled by the new movie and we hope many more schools will take advantage of the subsidised travel we can offer."
Elaine Wyllie, Head Teacher of St Ninian's Primary in Stirling said:
"A visit to the Bannockburn Heritage Centre makes Scottish history real for children. They see the battlefield, the banners and the chain mail first hand and are able to look into the eyes of Robert the Bruce mounted on his horse and imagine the famous events of 700 years ago."
Today's launch follows the announcement by the First Minister in December 2008 that the Scottish Government would fund subsidised coach visits for pupils.
In 2009-10 an additional £180,000 has been provided to National Trust Scotland to provide grants to school parties visiting Bannockburn, Culloden (from April 2009) and the Burns' Birthplace Museum (from early 2010).
The Bannockburn Heritage Centre is managed by conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland. The centre receives approximately 18,000 individual pupils visits per year. The Bannockburn film was directed by Craig Collinson and cost £114,000.